AETC command chief to replace Roy as CMSAF

Nov. 8, 2012 - 06:07PM
|
Last Updated: Nov. 8, 2012 - 06:07PM |

Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, Air Education and Training Command command chief, will succeed James Roy as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Roy is set to retire at the end of January 2013. (Todd Berenger / Air Force)

Related reading

Chief Master Sergeant James Cody of Air Education and Training Command will become the Air Force's senior enlisted leader in February.

Cody will replace Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy, who is retiring at the end of January.

"The quality and professionalism of our enlisted force is unrivaled due in great part to the remarkable commitment and dedication of Chief Roy and Paula to take care of airmen and their families," Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said in a release. "The Air Force must continue to develop the quality airmen the service needs and we look forward to the experience that Chief Cody and his wife, Athena, herself a retired chief master sergeant, will bring to this effort."

One of the first things Cody plans to do is hit the road to take suggestions from airmen about improving their jobs and their quality of life.

"I need to hear from our airmen," Cody said in an interview with Air Force Times. "I want to hear what's working for them so we can help them keep doing those things. I also need to know what's impeding their ability to be productive and see if we can't tackle those challenges and make it better for them."

Cody, who joined the Air Force in 1984, said his leadership style is based on mutual respect and trust.

"I understand how the Air Force works, but I'm certainly excited to learn about what our airmen are doing as we move forward," he said. "People that know me will know that I'm not afraid to tell it like it is."